Discospondylitis is a complex term, but understanding discospondylitis in dogs need not be. It's a condition that affects the spinal cord, causing discomfort and spinal pain in dogs. This article about canine spinal infections will explain what causes it, how to spot the symptoms, and most importantly, what can be done to help your furry friend if they're dealing with this spinal disorder.
What is Discospondylitis in Dogs?
Discospondylitis in dogs is an infection of a vertebral disc that sits between two spinal bones or vertebral bodies.
This infection can usually be traced back to bacteria or fungi. This spinal or back infection can either target one specific area in your dog's spine or spread to multiple areas. In simple words, it's like having a serious infection in the back that can cause your dog discomfort or pain.
Discospondylitis in dogs often occurs in the L7-S1 region, which is the lower back region. Any intervertebral disc space can be affected, however. The thoracolumbar spine (upper back) is more commonly affected compared to the cervical spine (neck).
Dogs exposed to respiratory tract foreign bodies, such as grass awns, may develop lesions at L2-L4 (lower back). It's important for dog owners to be aware of these potential issues related to canine back problems.
Discospondylitis is a condition that commonly affects middle-aged dogs, especially larger breeds. However, it can impact dogs of any breed. German Shepherd dogs and Great Danes are predisposed to developing discospondylitis.
Interestingly, males are twice as likely to contract this spinal infection compared to females.
Causes of Discospondylitis
There are different ways in which an infection can reach the space between the vertebrae in a dog's spine. One common suspected route is through the spread of infection in the blood (i.e. hematogenous spread).
Infections in the urogenital tract, skin, gums, heart valves, or other parts of the body can also be sources of infection. Another potential way is through direct contamination, such as through punctures, bite wounds, procedures, or surgery near the affected area. In some cases, foreign objects moving around the body have also been linked to infections in this area.
The risk of the development of discospondylitis in dogs is increased with concurrent infections of the skin or urinary tract, for example, and immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids (prednisone for example).
Most of the time, the spinal infection is due to bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Brucella, and E. coli but can also be fungal such as Aspergillus, and Blastomyces organisms.
Discospondylitis can occur through hematogenous spread, where an infection travels to the spine via the bloodstream. Infections from other body parts, direct contamination, and foreign objects in the body can also cause discospondylitis. Concurrent skin or urinary tract infections, or the use of immunosuppressive medications, can increase the risk.
What are the Symptoms of Discospondylitis in Dogs?
Your dog may initially show signs of discomfort or pain in their back, along with stiffness when trying to move. They might also display:
- Ataxia: Incoordination during walking where the limbs appear to be moving in different directions
- Paraparesis: Weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs
- Neck pain/stiffness
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and dullness
If not treated promptly, discospondylitis can lead to pathological fractures of the spine, which can result in permanent neurological damage and even paralysis.
Diagnosis of Discospondylitis in Dogs
To diagnose discospondylitis in dogs, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam to check for symptoms like pain or stiffness when touching the spine. They'll also observe your pet's gait and coordination to look for signs of ataxia.
Your veterinarian will take x-rays of your dog's spine or take a sample of the fluid in the affected area to check for infection. If they suspect that discospondylitis is caused by an underlying condition like a bacterial infection, they may run blood and urine tests.
Depending on the severity of the condition in the affected dog, your veterinarian may refer you to a specialty centre where a team of neurologists and radiologists can perform an MRI, as this is the imaging test of choice to diagnose discospondylitis in dogs.
Treatment Options for Discospondylitis
Treatment typically involves giving the dog specific antibiotics for an extended period to target the particular organism causing the infection.
Ideally, the choice of antibiotics is determined by culturing a sample from the affected disc and evaluating its sensitivity to different antibiotics. If culturing the disc is not feasible, the antibiotic selection is based on culture results from urine, blood, or other infected areas. This approach helps ensure effective treatment for the patient.
Pain relievers are necessary because many patients experience pain that may not quickly subside despite appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Some options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), gabapentin, and tramadol. These medications can help alleviate discomfort and improve your dog's mobility.
What is the Prognosis for Dogs with DiscoSpondylitis?
Performing repeated X-rays after six weeks of treatment is important to assess the gradual disappearance or lack of advancement of abnormalities, as well as the absence of new abnormalities.
It is worth noting that clinical improvement often precedes visible improvement on X-rays. It is possible to experience a relapse or ongoing symptoms if antibiotic treatment is stopped too soon, if an incorrect antibiotic is used, or if corticosteroids or other immune-suppressing medications are administered.
Unfortunately, the prognosis is poor for dogs with fungal discospondylitis, underlining the importance of early detection and intervention for this canine spinal disorder.
To summarize, discospondylitis in dogs is a serious condition that requires immediate attention and care. It occurs when bacteria or fungi infect the space between the vertebrae, often spreading through the bloodstream or through direct contact. Symptoms include back pain, stiffness, difficulty walking, weakness in the hind limbs, neck pain, low energy, and decreased appetite. We diagnose this condition through physical and neurological examination, X-rays, fluid sampling, or in severe cases, an MRI. Treatment typically involves a long course of specific antibiotics, pain medication, and close monitoring for improvement or relapse. Prompt treatment can lead to a positive outcome for bacterial infections, but fungal infections are more challenging to manage. Dog owners should be vigilant for signs of discospondylitis and seek timely veterinary care for the best possible outcome.